The UN Secretary General said the United Nations appreciates China's effort, has full confidence in China's ability of controlling the outbreak, and stands ready to provide any support and assistance.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said so at the meeting with China's Permanent Representative to the UN Zhang Jun on Monday at the UN headquarters in New York.

During the meeting, Ambassador Zhang briefed him on the situation and China's effort of combating novel coronavirus.

Zhang said that the Chinese government attaches paramount importance to prevention and control of the epidemic, and President Xi Jinping has given important instructions.

Putting the interests of the people first, Zhang said China has taken rapid and strong measures, putting in place a nation-wide prevention and control mechanism.

China has been working with the international community in the spirit of "openness, transparency and scientific coordination."

With a great sense of responsibility, Zhang said China is sparing no effort in curbing the spread of disease and saving lives.

Now is a crucial moment, and China has full capability and confidence in winning the battle against the epidemic.

Guterres told Zhang that at this important time, the UN stands in solidarity with the Chinese government and people.

On the same day, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director general of the UN World Health Organization (WHO) arrived in Beijing to discuss the novel coronavirus outbreak with senior Government officials.

According to the UN news, the purposes of the visit include "to understand the latest developments and strengthen partnership, particularly for response against the respiratory disease."

In a message posted on Twitter, the head of WHO said the UN agency also is working with countries everywhere to activate their response systems.